Natural History and Conservation Status of the Endangered Andean Water Frog Telmatobius fronteriensis in Northern Chile

Abstract

Telmatobius fronteriensis is a microendemic species from the arid Puna of northern Chile and is currently classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List. Here, we provide ecological information for T. fronteriensis. We evaluated its microhabitat, density, biometry, diet, presence of emerging pathogens, temporal changes in its habitat and conservation status. The habitat of T. fronteriensis is restricted to a small thermal-water stream in its type locality, covering a total area of 2.7 km². The species has a moderate density, with no differences in body condition between males and females across seasons. The diet varied between seasons, as did the preference for certain prey items. There is an apparent absence of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis and Ranavirus. The information obtained is valuable for the management and conservation of this microendemic species, considering that water use pressure and mining activities are the primary threats to this Andean water frog. Future actions should consider the implementation of a binational conservation plan, as well as in situ and ex situ conservation programs to protect the species.